Premier League Relegation: Who will go down...experts have their say

21 May 2009 12:59
Jason Burt. Verdict: Middlesbrough and Hull All four teams may well lose – but the likelihood is all four will not win. Even a victory for Middlesbrough is unlikely to be enough, even if both Newcastle and Hull lose. My prediction is that Middlesbrough will lose, or possibly draw, at West Ham, Newcastle will gain a nerve-shredding draw at Aston Villa, after taking the lead, and Hull will lose in a humdinger at home to Manchester United while Sunderland will be beaten by Chelsea. That would see Newcastle escape on goal difference. Middlesbrough are down and I actually think Hull, Newcastle and Sunderland will all lose on Sunday. Chelsea will field a strong side and are in merciless form. A weakened Manchester United team, full of hungry reserves, might be more dangerous for Hull than first teamers worrying about getting injured ahead of the Champions League final. Newcastle have the best chance of getting something out of their game with Villa but, with the exception of the Boro game, they have failed in so-called must win game after must-win game. Why will Sunday be any different? A lot of hope must rest with Obafemi Martins. Mark Ogden. Verdict: Middlesbrough and Hull Middlesbrough are a lost cause, so it's between Newcastle and Hull for the final relegation spot and, no matter who Sir Alex Ferguson selects at the KC Stadium, Manchester United will prove too strong for Phil Brown's team and win the game. Newcastle will snatch a point at Villa Park and survive by the skin of their teeth. Rory Smith. Verdict: Middlesbrough, Hull Middlesbrough fans must take succour in the fact that most observers seem to believe the relegation battle will take two from four, but in reality Gareth Southgate's side are already down, an improbable goal difference miracle their only, futile, hope. The real interest is at the KC Stadium and Villa Park, where a win for Manchester United's catering staff and a draw for Newcastle will, sadly, end Hull's stay in the top flight after just a year. Jeremy Wilson. Verdict: Middlesbrough and Newcastle On current form, it is difficult to see any of the struggling teams winning on Sunday. The most likely scenario is a series of draws and defeats that will condemn Middlesbrough and leave Sunderland safe. That leaves Hull and Newcastle battling for the final place, with home advantage likely to inspire to at least match Newcastle's result. Sandy Macaskill. Verdict: Newcastle and Middlesbrough Hull have a desperate job ahead of them, so it is likely that Newcastle will only need a point. Admittedly, Aston Villa are on poor form and have suffered from an unimpressive home performances all season, but even so, it is difficult to see such stricken a side as Newcastle even drawing with them. Boro have no chance. Rob Stewart. Verdict: Newcastle United and Middlesbrough Newcastle manager Alan Shearer is certain there will be twists and turns along the way but none of the four sides hovering above West Brom in the depths of the Premier League will be good enough to earn as much as a point on Sunday although the agony will no doubt last right until the final whistle. John Ley. Verdict: Middlesbrough and Hull. I don't know why, because Newcastle don't deserve it. But Alan Shearer has an aura about him and I just get the feeling that the relegation gods will smile on the Golden One. Boro will get a draw at best, but will probably lose, and tumble to wear they belong – on this season's performances. Hull will lose to United's reserves and Newcastle will get the point they need to survive – on goal difference. Henry Winter. Verdict: Middlesbrough and Newcastle to go down. Newcastle, Middlesbrough and Hull to lose final games. So Hull stay up. Route to safety: If Sunderland win at home to Chelsea they are safe. If they draw and Hull fail to win they will be safe. If they draw and Hull and Newcastle win, Sunderland could go down on goal difference or even on goals scored.Hull entertain Manchester United three days before the Champions League final and if they win they are safe. But if they draw and Newcastle win at Villa, Hull will go down. A defeat will send them down – if Newcastle get a point.Newcastle can win at Villa and still go down, if Sunderland and Hull also win. If they draw they need Hull to lose to survive. A defeat at Villa Park will confirm Newcastle's relegation. To stay up Middlesbrough need to win at West Ham, hope Newcastle and Hull lose – and overturn the four goal difference between themselves and Hull. Aston Villa v Newcastle United Kick-off: Sun May 24, 4.00pm, Villa Park, Birmingham TV: Sky Sports 1, Sky Sports HD1 Radio: BBC Radio Five Live Hull City v Manchester United Kick-off: Sun May 24, 4.00pm, KC Stadium, Hull TV: Sky Sports 3, Sky Sports HD3 Radio: BBC Radio Five Live Sunderland v Chelsea Kick-off: Sun May 24, 4.00pm, Stadium of Light, Sunderland TV: Sky Sports Interactive Radio: BBC Radio Five Live West Ham United v Middlesbrough Kick-off: Sun May 24, 4.00pm, Upton Park, London TV: Setanta Sports 1 Radio: BBC Radio Five Live

Source: Telegraph